Melbourne University Alumni Magazine

—2009— contents

melbourne university editorial board change of address: magazine 2009 Silvia Dropulich – Writer & Editor, Marketing and If you would like to be added to the Melbourne Communications, (Chair) University Magazine mailing list, or report a Melbourne University Magazine is a publica- Leonie Boxtel – Alumni Relations change of address, please direct your enquiries tion for alumni and friends of the University Manager, Advancement to: of Melbourne. All correspondence relating to Professor James Angus – Dean, Medicine, Den- Phone: +61 3 8344 1751 the editorial content of the magazine should be tistry and Health Sciences Fax: +61 3 9348 0013 addressed to: Dr Philip Batterham – Associate Professor and Email: [email protected] Reader, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Web: www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni The Editor: Silvia Dropulich Biotechnology Melbourne University Magazine Ben Coffey – Campaign Manager, Marketing and Cover: Cover image, courtesy of Reprieve Austra- Marketing and Communications Communications lia: www.reprieve.org.au The University of Melbourne Lisa Montague – Communications Manager, Fac- Victoria 3010 ulty of the Victorian College of the Arts Views expressed by contributors are not neces- Phone: +61 3 8344 7999 Suzanne Dixon – Director Advancement, Faculty of sarily endorsed by the University Fax: +61 3 8344 4921 Economics and Commerce Email: [email protected] Yee Fui Ng – International Law ISSN: 1442–1349 story details Welcome to the 2009 Melbourne University Alumni Magazine

he University is strongly committed to life-long learn- a significant impact around the world. ing , a concept reflected in this inspirational issue of MUM also considers the impact of the Black Saturday the Melbourne University Alumni Magazine. Wheth- bushfires in February and how the desire to be part of a posi- Ter it is through our public lecture program, exclusive alumni tive response to the tragedy is fuelling new research and events, faculty reunions, the University’s Community Access technology in a range of professions. Bushfire Royal Com- Program or one of our Graduate Schools, I encourage you to missioner Bernard Teague shares his thoughts about how a re-connect with both your University and each other. Royal Commission can play a role in healing. In a highlight for MUM 2009 and a first for the magazine, After more than three years driving major curriculum we have sourced established journalists, writers, photogra- review and change and 18 months into the successful imple- phers and artists from our alumni community as contributors mentation of the Melbourne Model, recently-retired Provost to create a magazine that is both for and by alumni. This year Peter McPhee speaks frankly about the challenges of imple- the magazine will also be available online at (web address TBC) menting change and the University’s vision for the future. with links to podcasts and additional articles and images. Over the past year, many alumni have made generous This year we take a look at some key events and issues of donations to the University and their valuable support helps the past year and examine the diverse perspectives of our fund the University’s research activity and scholarships for global alumni community. Among the articles in this issue students in need. In September 2009 the University will we hear from new and established alumni voices in the in- launch its annual telephone appeal and we will be contacting ternational and local financial community on how the global you again – our alumni and friends of the University - to ask financial crisis is changing attitudes and behaviours in the for your continued support in these important areas. If you financial world. are on our email list, you will have received an invitation to In June this year the University’s Festival of Ideas put the engage with our important review of the University’s Growing spotlight on sustainability and climate change, both of which Esteem strategy. Thank you for your thoughtful responses. continue to be a high priority for governments around the I would also like to draw your attention to a very exciting world. We asked five young alumni with a professional interest and special alumni event on September 30 when we invite in sustainability to join us for a robust discussion about how to all alumni to a private viewing of the highly-anticipated create a sustainable future. Featured on the cover of this issue, Pompeii exhibition at Melbourne Museum. See our events Peter Ho, Dr Brendan Winkle, Tanya Ha, Arron Woods and Ol- calendar on page XX for booking details. ivia Davis provide both a broad view of sustainable practice Please enjoy reading your 2009 edition of the Melbourne today and hope for a sustainable future tomorrow. University Alumni Magazine. Should you have any thoughts, Global health is profiled in an article exploring how the reflections or concerns, we welcome your feedback via the World Health Organisation’s report on the social indicators Alumni Relations Office at [email protected] for health is influencing programs to combat health issues in both developing and western nations. On the frontline of Glyn Davis health research and clinical practice, our alumni are making Vice-Chancellor

page 1 melbourne university magazine 2009 —contributors—

As well as staff and student contributors, this year the Melbourne University Alumni Magazine asked many experienced alumni journalists, writers, photographers and artists to contribute to the magazine, creating a publication that is both for and by alumni.

Carolina Bodin land, was published in 2008. She won the Dr Belinda Nemec (B.Mus 1990, PhD 2006) Carolina is a recent graduate of the Uni- inaugural Vincent Buckley Poetry Prize. Dr Belinda Nemec is the Cultural Collec- versity’s Publishing and Communications Dave Hoskin (BA, 1997, Bachelor Film tions Co-ordinator and is the editor of the course. She assisted with MUAM during and TV 2002) University’s twice-yearly magazine, Uni- the final semester of her course. Dave Hoskin’s writing has appeared in versity of Melbourne Collections. Rod Brooks (Bachelor Vet. Sci. 1980) Eureka Street, Metro and Pathway. His is Selina Ou (BA Fine Art 1999, B Fine Art After graduating from Veterinary Science passionate about film and as well as writ- (Hons) 2002) at Melbourne, Rod practiced as a vet in Aus- ing about it has made several short films Photographer Selina Ou was born in Malay- tralia and Zimbabwe before moving into which have screened at festivals around sia in 1977 and currently lives and works in marketing and working in the pharmaceu- the world. Melbourne. In 2006, Ou was commissioned tical and software sectors. He now works Dylan Martorell by the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, Senior Manager, Marketing and Business Scottish born Dylan Martorell is an art- to create a body of work about sport. Ou has Development at RMIT. ist and musician, and has been working had several international residencies and Scott Cameron commercially as an illustrator for about her works have been included in many na- Scott Cameron is a professional photog- four years. His music and art practice fre- tional and international group exhibitions. rapher specialising in food, fashion and quently intersect and merge together and Nadine Raydan people. He has worked on award winning he work has been influenced by his travels Nadine is a recent graduate of the Univer- assignments for a range of clients across in North Africa, South East Asia, Japan and sity’s Publishing and Communications advertising, editorial and corporate areas. Mexico. Among his clients include Tokion, course. She assisted with MUAM during Olivia Davis (BA 1991) Vitra, Nieves and the New York Times. the final semester of her course. Olivia is the editor of Sprinkla magazine, Sam McMillan (BA Media and Comm., Ben Sanders a free, online magazine which strives to 2006) Bens’ father gave him a sketchbook for his “diffuse information in a way that is as re- Sam McMillan is more widely known by eleventh birthday, and by age 12 had landed freshing as the shower of droplets from the his professional name, Sammy J. A Mel- his first paid job creating 32 drawings for old garden sprinkler” .Each issue of Sprinka bourne-based comedian, actor and writer, a sticker sheet. He spent every summer explores ways that people can bring an eco- since graduating from Melbourne Uni- throughout his teenage years illustrating perspective on how to connect, grow, eat, versity in 2006, he has built a reputation more stickers for the same publisher. He’s explore and invest. as one of the most original and inventive been drawing ever since. He is influenced Oslo Davis comedians on the international circuit, by commercial illustration from the 20 Oslo Davis’ pen and ink people have ap- performing in Edinburgh, London’s West years preceding the Second World War, ap- peared in The New York Times, The Age, End, and on the local television shows preciating the artists of the 1940s through BusinessWeek, Diplomat Magazine. His Spicks & Specks and Good News Week. To to the 1960s. work has also appeared in various journals see more of Sammy J’s work visit www. Dave Tacon (BA (Hons) 2002) including Meanjin, the Sleepers Almanac, sammy-j.com. Dave is a Melbourne based photographer Tango and Going Down Swinging. Sonia Kretschmar (G.Dip. Film and TV, and writer. His photographs have appeared He draws a weekly cartoon in The 2003) in national and international magazines Sunday Age called Overheard. In 2007 he Illustrator Sonia Kretschmar origi- and newspapers and his phot-documentary edited and produced Conceived on a Tram, nally wanted to be a graphic designer but work is held in a number of Australian which also featured the work of 15 other launched herself as an illustrator after permanent collections. His writing has Melbourne-based artists and cartoonists. returning from a trip to Europe brim full appeared in The Age, The Sydney Morn- Lisa Gorton (BA1995) of ideas. Her work has appeared in The ing Herald and Sun Herald and the British Lisa Gorton’s first poetry collection, Press Australian, The Age Good Weekend, The newspaperThe Independent. Release, was shortlisted for the 2008 Mary Law Institute Journal, in books, cards and Fiona Willan Gilmore Award and won the 2008 Premier’s posters. Fiona Willan is a communications officer C. J. Dennis Prize for Poetry. A Rhodes Lisa Mitchell (BA 1985) in the University of Melbourne’s Alumni Scholar, Lisa completed a Doctorate on John Lisa Mitchell is a writer and editor with Relations department and the editor of Donne at Oxford University. Lisa writes more than 16 years’ experience including e-news. essays and reviews for newspapers and regular feature writing for The Age, Sunday journals and her novel for children, Cloud- Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

page 2 story details —University News—

A news update from the University of Melbourne.

in Grattan Street, Parkville and will deliver consideration will be Australian domestic Hugh Taylor Wins Helen excellence in cancer research, education and policy and he hopes the Grattan Institute will patient care. fill a gap in Australian political life. Keller Prize Professor James Angus, Dean of the “We looked for topics where fact-based Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health analysis and public discussion can change Sciences points out that by creating a critical peoples’ minds, “ he said, “and areas where mass of intellectual and practical endeavour, important issues are not being talked about the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre enough.’ will attract and retain world-class research- The Institute’s progams are focused on ers and draw the best and the brightest to energy choices, water, cities, school education study and train in cancer at the University of and health have been chosen because they Melbourne. He says the University is proud are under-represented in public debate or not to be part of such an important collaboration widely understood. that will lead to improvements in the preven- The Institute’s research and analysis is Professor Hugh Taylor, Harold Mitchell tion, detection and treatment of cancer for set to engage the broader community and its Chair of Indigenous Eye Health, has been Victorians and their families. primary benefactors, through seminars, fo- recognised for over 30 years commit- Construction of the Centre will begin in rums and online publication of its reports. nr ment to eye health at the Association for the first half of 2011, with an expected com- The Institute was launched with a keynote Research in Vision and Ophthalmology pletion by 2015. nr address by prestigious US political commentator award ceremony in the United States. He and University of Melbourne 2009 Miegunyah is the first Australian to be awarded the Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Thomas E Mann. prestigious Helen Keller Prize for Vision New Graduate School Of Arts The Graduate School of Humanities and His speech can be viewed on Slow TV at www. Research and joins 17 previous winners Social Sciences will open at the University of themonthly.com.au including two Nobel Laureates and two Melbourne next year with a new ‘signature’ Lasker Award winners. degree, the Executive Master of Arts (ema). Professor Taylor leads the Indigenous Three Steps To Sustainability This professionally focused program has been Eye Heath Unit at the University of developed in consultation with the business, Melbourne where his research focuses on government and community sectors and blindness prevention strategies, infec- combines subjects in professional skills such tious causes of blindness and the inter- as financial and project management and section between medicine, public health professional communication, with further and health. Throughout his career, he studies in the social sciences and humani- has been a passionate advocate for the ties, and an internship or group project. eye health of Indigenous Australians and The graduate school will provide dedicated is comitted to eliminating trachoma, student support services, social spaces and a blinding and curable eye disease still purpose-built teaching spaces for Master’s prevalent in Australian Indigenous com- students. These facilities will be located in munities. He is currently undertaking the historic Old Arts building, in the heart the first comprehensive national study of the Parkville campus. As well as a new of eye health in Indigenous communi- Graduate School, the Faculty has also invested ties which will provide national data $1.1m in a range of initiatives to encourage Under its Environmental Sustainability on the impact of eye diseases including and nurture new research in the humanities, Strategic Plan, The University of Melbourne trachoma, cataracts and glaucoma on social sciences and languages. cb is committed to a 50 percent reduction in Indigenous communities. cb For more information about the ema visit carbon emissions by the end of 2010. http://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/graduatearts/ Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of energy consumption on campus and by Powerful Tool In The Fight Against New Think Tank Set To Shape switching to more energy efficient lighting Cancer Public Debate and systems to switch off lights not required The University of Melbourne is a key partner The Grattan Institute, a new national think from 6 pm to 6 am, the University has been in the $1 billion Parkville Comprehensive tank, has been launched in Melbourne with quietly achieving significant energy savings. Centre with the Peter MacCallum Hospi- the brief to contribute significantly to Aus- The most visible sign of the University’s tal, Melbourne Health, which includes the tralian public policy debate. commitment to sustainability however, is the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Ludwig Institute Named after the Melbourne street near new Economics and Commerce Building on for Cancer Research, Walter and Eliza Hall where it is located, the Institute hopes to the corner of Berkeley Street, Carlton. Recently Institute of Medical Research, and the Royal foster open and wide-ranging public debate awarded a 5 Star Green Star Education Pilot Women’s Hospital. The new centre will be on topical themes and issues. Chief Executive rating by the Green Building Council of Aus- built on the site of the former dental hospital John Daley says the think tank’s primary tralia, the ranking was achieved through an

page 3 melbourne university magazine 2009 —University News—

Classical Gift To The Potter

An extensive antiquities collection has been donated to the University’s Ian Pot- ter Museum of Art by Mr David Adams in memory of his late wife Marion, a former Dean of Arts and long-time lecturer in German Literature at Melbourne. The antiquities from their personal collection will benefit students and assessment of management, indoor environ- The Victorian College of the Arts and the visitors to the Museum for generations ment quality, energy, transport, water, ma- Faculty of Music amalgamated in April this year to come. terials, land use and ecology, emissions and to form the new Faculty of the vca and Music Included in the remarkable col- innovation. Among other interesting features, (vcam). For full details of recent vcam achieve- lection is a 14th century pottery water the building provides 100 percent fresh air. ments visit www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au strainer from Iran, several coins from Other recent initiatives include the the Roman Empire and a 2nd century launch of the Melbourne Sustainable Society Haasz Family Supports marble torso of the Roman god Sylvanus. Institute (mssi) which is committed to Astrophysics Professor Marion Adams played an sustainability research from a variety of Earlier this year physics alumnus John Haasz important and far-reaching role within perspectives including agricultural futures, (bsc 2006) generously donated $100,000 to the university community. This role con- risk and resilience, sustainable cities and the University of Melbourne’s Astrophysics tinues today, through the Marion Adams water. Campus initiatives led by mssi include group. The group is involved in observa- Fund, the Marion Adams Memorial Lec- the Adaptation Research Network for Social, tional and theoretical research in a range of ture and through the generous support Economic and Institutional Dimensions of areas including an observational program given to the University of Melbourne by climate change. nr spanning radio to X-ray wavelengths, us- David Adams. ing the Australia Telescope Compact Array, The gift to the Museum will be an Prize Winning Alumni Artists the Gemini Telescopes, the Hubble Space invaluable resource for the University’s Fergus Binns’ painting ‘Mount Kosciuszko Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observa- Centre for Classics and Archaeology. with receding snow dome’, a picture with a tory among other instruments. The Group’s Andrew Jamieson, Spencer-Pappas Trust stark environmental message, has won Aus- theoretical programs currently extend from Curator and Lecturer says the Adams’ tralia’s richest prize for young painters, the pen-and-paper calculations to the develop- gift is a wonderful gesture to the Potter 2008 Metro 5 Art Award for artists under 35. ment of numerical codes. The donation to the Museum and to the general public. Mr Binns, 28, who graduated from the Astrophysics group was made on behalf of The Adams Collection will add a new Victorian College of the Arts in 2002 with a the Haasz family to support the research and dimension to the Ian Potter Museum and Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting), won the $40 teaching of the School of Physics. extend the depth and breadth of the Clas- 000 Judges’ Prize. The work, depicting a re- Go to http://www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni/ sics collection. cb ceding and fragile Mount Kosciuszko trapped giving/ to find out more information about how to Selected artefacts from the David and inside a snow dome, pays homage to Eugene donate to the University. Marion Adams Collection are on display at von Guerard’s famous 1863 piece ‘Northeast The Potter until October 11, 2009. The Ian view from the northern top of Mount Ko- University Of Melbourne Scientists Potter Museum of Art is open Tues-Fri 10am- sciuszko’. 5pm, Sat-Sun 12noon-5pm. Admission is free. One of many graduates to be recognised Discover Ancient Reef Three University of Melbourne scientists for their work this year, alumni from the have discovered a 650-million-year-old giant former Victorian College of the Arts were also underwater reef in the Australian outback. acknowledged at TropFest 2009, in nomina- School of Earth Sciences Associate Profes- tions at the Logies, in Green Room Awards, by sor Malcolm Wallace and doctoral students the Australia Council and in the Wynne Prize Jonathan Giddings and Estee Woon believe for art. cb the reef, which has an escarpment ten times

page 4 story details —University News—

higher than the Great Barrier Reef, may hold Annual Telephone Appeal Anniversary And A Scholar- evidence of the earliest examples of primitive Wendy Zhao so enjoyed being part of last animal life. year’s telephone appeal she’s signed up to par- ship For Veterinary Science The scientists have named their discov- ticipate in this year’s campaign as well. The ery the Oodnaminta Reef, because it is locat- 19 year old Bachelor of Education student said ed near an old hut called the Oodnaminta Hut the telephone campaign was a wonderful op- in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. portunity to speak with alumni. “I had some Mr Giddings said the reef is an internation- very interesting conversations,” she said, ally significant discovery because it provides “and of course it’s for a very good cause.” The a significant step forward in showing the annual telephone appeal is part of the Univer- extent of climate change in Earth’s past and sity Fund Appeal (UNIFUND), the oldest an- the evolution of ancient reef complexes – and nual appeal at any university in Australia. As it also contains fossils which may be of the the University currently receives less than 50 earliest known primitive animals. These per cent of its’ income from governments this fossils may prove that life took more complex philanthropic support is crucial. In 2009, forms much earlier in history than previously the UNIFUND has two key priorities. The thought. first is to provide immediate assistance for “A lot of people will be intrigued as to why students in financial need and the second is this once underwater reef is now located in to provide long term support for scholarships. a very barren part of inland Australia,” said 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the ap- Mr Giddings. “At this stage in Earth’s history, peal, the longest standing at any Australian the eastern coast of Australia extended north University. The 2009 telephone appeal will from where the Flinders Ranges now lie. The start on Monday 31 August and end on Sunday The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of eastern part of the Australian continent, 4 October. Your support really does make a Veterinary Science celebrates its 100th from the Flinders Ranges through to the cur- difference, and 100 per cent of all donations anniversary this year. The first school rent eastern seaboard, was still buried under go to UNIFUND and donors have the option of of its kind in Australia, more than 2,000 the ocean. nominating the specific areas they would like veterinarians have graduated from the The discovery is already attracting to support. If you receive a call from Wendy school since it first opened, including Dr significant interest from leading scientists or one of the other student callers, please Warwick Bayly, recently appointed as around the world. consider supporting the Appeal. the Provost and Executive Vice President of Washington State University. Veterinarian education first began Top Architects Compete For Faculty in Melbourne in 1888 at a private col- Of Architecture, Building And Did You Know box will go in here lege in Fitzroy but moved in 1909 to the Planning Commission University campus in Parkville. The first Six finalists have been chosen from 133 sub- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (bvsc) de- missions from top design firms and leading grees were awarded the same year and in architects in 15 countries to compete for the 1923, Dr Margaret Keats mbe became the commission to build the University of Mel- first woman to graduate with a Bachelor bourne’s new Faculty of Architecture, Build- of Veterinary Science degree in Australia. ing and Planning (APB) landmark building. Providing opportunities for students The six finalists are: Denton Corker Marshall to study Veterinary Science has always Pty Ltd; Diller Scofidio + Renfro; Sauerbruch been a prioirty for the school and recent- Hutton with NH Architecture; John Wardle ly a new scholarship was established to Architects & Office dA; Koning Eizenberg assist rural students. Retired vet Dr Bill with William J Mitchell and Gehry Technolo- Riches and his wife Jenny Riches have gies; and McBride Charles Ryan. All the final- set up a fund to help Veterinary Science ists have University of Melbourne alumni as students from rural areas meet the high Directors and/or Principals. costs of studying in the city. Dr Riches, The winner will create an educational en- who worked as a vet in Wangaratta, vironment designed to inspire architecture, Tatura and Hamilton and then with building and planning students, researchers his own farm and equine hospital in and academics. Berwick, says he wants to “help country The winning firm will be announced on students overcome financial hardships September 30, 2009 and the winning submis- they might face coming to live in the city sion will be available for viewing on the com- so that they can focus on their training petition website at www.apb.unimelb.edu.au/ rather than having to work long hours to competition after the announcement is made. pay for their studies.” cb Selected competition entries will also For more information about the rural be exhibited in the Wunderlich Gallery, scholarship scheme and the Faculty’s 100th ground floor of the Architecture Building, in anniversary visit www.vet.unimelb.edu.au December.

page 5 melbourne university magazine 2009

page 6 story details —Books|stage|Film|Music—

University of Melbourne alumni have made a significant contribution to Australia’s cultural and intellectual life in the past year. Here we feature just a small selection of some of the most recent and forthcoming books, music and performances from alumni in Australia and around the world.

Led by Premier Jack Lang, Labor came arachnophobia and learned to love these fas- Books to power in NSW at a time of unprecedented cinating creatures, exploring their amazing working-class radicalism forged by the expe- natural history and studying them in depth. riences of World War I, the class struggles of Climate Change, What You Can do About It At History the 1920s and the crisis of capitalism in the Work, At Home, At School Reframing Darwin, Evolution and Arts In Aus- early 1930s. By Paul Holper and Simon Torok (CSIRO tralia by Jeanette Hoorn (MUP 2009) Publishing, Pan Macmillan Australia 2008) Jeanette Hoorn explores the impact of the Fiction Paul Holper and Simon Torok write about Darwinian revolution on Australian arts and Document Z by Andrew Croome the simple yet effective things you can do in sciences beginning with the voyage of HMS (Allen and Unwin 2009) your home, your workplace, your school and Beagle and concluding with contemporary Winner of the 2008 The Australian/Vogel elsewhere to limit your carbon emissions. artists exploring post-Darwinian themes, Re- Literary Award. Andrew Croome’s first novel Ian Plimer, Heaven and Earth: Global Warming, framing Darwin illuminates Darwin’s place tells the story of the Petrov defection during The Missing Science (Connorcourt Publishing, 2009) at the heart of two centuries of intellectual the 1950s. Ian Plimer argues that the undergoing debate in Australia. Including stunning re- The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas climate change is not unprecedented in his- productions from Australia’s most important (Allen and Unwin 2008) tory and that the temperatures in the 20th art collections. Since its publication late last year, Chris- Century are not outside the range of natural The Water Dreamers by Michael Cathcart (Text tos Tsiolkas’ compelling book about mar- variability. Publishing 2009) riage, family and suburban life has picked up Michael Cathcart charts the story of the several awards including the 2009 Common- settlement of Australia. An environmental wealth Writer’s Prize for Overall Best Book. Stage history, The Water Dreamers focuses on the The Boat by Nam Le (Penguin 2009) Watch out for the Malthouse Theatre’s way water, or a lack of it, has determined Nam Le’s collection of stories move from presentation of One Night The Moon, a stage Australia’s history. Vietnam to Japan to Iran each with their own adaptation of the acclaimed film written by The Myth of the Great Depression by David Potts powerful, funny and intimate style. The win- Mairead Hannan, Kev Carmody, Paul Kelly, (Scribe 2nd edition 2009). ner of many awards, The Boat recently won Rachel Perkins and John Romeril. Mairead The myth referred to in the title of David the 2009 Dylan Thomas prize for fiction. Hannan is the musical director of the stage Potts’ book isn’t supposed to suggest the Great Mostly Sunny With A Chance of Storms by Marion adaptation opening on September 11, 2009. Depression never happened. Instead, Potts Roberts (Allen and Unwin, 2009). discovers that for many people, life during The second book featuring the character Film the depression may have been hard but it was of Sunny Hathaway, children’s author Marion Sarah Watt’s film My Year Without Sex and also rich with community, friendship and Roberts has created another instalment in Adam Elliott’s claymation feature Max and compassion. the delightful series about a young girl and Mary are just two of the acclaimed films by The Best of Times: The Story Of The Great Second- her funny, complicated family. VCAM graduates released this year. ary Schooling Expansion (Lexis 2009). Last of the Braves by Archimede Fusillo If you went to an Australian secondary (Penguin 2009) Music school in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s then your A story of loss, longing and redemption Ian Holtham from the University’s Faculty of education was undoubtably influenced by written for young adults, Archimede Fusillo Music is one of Australia’s foremost concert the people in this book. Teacher, author and writes about what it’s like to be a teenage boy pianists. This recording on the stunning historian Bill Hannan charts the history of torn between Italian and Australian cultures. Steinway concert grand pianos from the education in Victoria. This is How by M J Hyland (Text Publishing 2009) Melba Hall at the University of Melbourne in- The third novel by acclaimed writer M Biography cludes Beethoven’s final 3 sonatas. Beethoven, J Hyland, This Is How is a portrait of a man I am Melba by Ann Blainey (Black Inc 2009) The Late Piano Sonatas by Ian Hotham (ABC determined to build a better life but whose Ann Blainey has written a remarkable Classics) fate is destined to be tragic. account of the life of Dame Nellie Melba, the Acclaimed pianist and composer Pene- most famous singer of her era. Science and Environment lope Thwaites’ new recording Travelling Journey Without Arrival, The Life and Writing Green Stuff For Kids by Tanya Ha (MUP, 2009) between Worlds includes piano classics form of Vincent Buckley by John McLaren (Australian Environmental campaigner Tanya Ha has France, Spain, America, Russia and Australia. Scholarly Publishing 2009). written an eco-encyclopaedia for young read- Travelling Between Worlds by Penelope Acclaimed Australian poet Vincent Buck- ers jam-packed with fun facts, eco-activities, Thwaites (LIR Classics) ley died in 1988 aged 63. In this first biography information and green tips all aimed at help- The Melbourne University Alumni of Vincent Buckley, John McLaren interprets ing young people understand and appreciate Magazine is always keen to hear about the the life of a complicated and brilliant man. our planet, making them better equipped to achievements of alumni. To let us know about look after it. your recent book, exhibition, recording or Politics and Society Spiders, Learning to Love Them by Lynne Kelly performance email us at ??? When the Labor Party Dreams Class Politics and (Allen and Unwin, 2009) Policy in NSW 1930-32 by Geoff Robinson (Austral- Afraid of spiders? Science educator ian Scholarly Publishing 2009) Lynne Kelly was too, until she overcame her

page 7 melbourne university magazine 2009 —events calendar highlights—

Highlights from the University’s diverse events calendar with lectures, tours, performances and exhibitions in Australia and around the world.

Exclusive Alumni Viewing: Melbourne Museum’s A Day in Pompeii Exhibition

Second alumni only viewing - due to overwhelming demand, first viewing fully subscribed.

wednesday 7 october Entry anytime 5-9pm Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton FREE for ALUMNI ONLY

The University is subsidising a second FREE opportunity for alumni to enjoy an exclusive viewing of Melbourne Museum’s 2009 Winter Masterpiece exhibition A Day in Pompeii. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. For more information and to register your booking visit www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni/pompeii Phone enquiries Lisa Flower +61 3 8344 1750

Key Thinkers – Foucault Director’s Tours of Charles Darwin in VCMA Southbank Symphony Orchestra and St Australia: art and evolution. Petersburg Conservatory thursday 10 september Prince Philip Theatre – Parkville Campus thursday 1 october monday 5 october, 7.30pm John Frow, Professor of English at the Ian Potter Museum of Art, the University of Melbourne Town Hall, 90-120 Swanston St, University of Melbourne, delivers a lecture Melbourne Melbourne on Michel Foucault – historian, philosopher, Be guided around the exhibition by curator An Australian and Russian program to writer, and one of the the definitive theorists and art historian Professor Jeanette Hoorn celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Sister of the second half of the twentieth century. from the University of Melbourne. The show City relationship between Melbourne and St traces Darwin’s impact from the voyage of Petersburg. Conducted by Marco van Pagee HMS Beagle to contemporary engagements and St Petersburg Conservatory Guest. with ideas of the post-Darwinian body. Enquiries 03 9685 9423

Melbourne Marathon Melbourne Leadership Series sunday 11 october thursday 15 october Starts from Batman Avenue Hong Kong - CPA Australia Join the 2008 Melbourne University team Hong Kong alumni have the opportunity to in one of Australia’s iconic sporting events meet entrepreneurial alumni who will talk -- participants can choose to take part in are about their career and the successes they the 5.5km, the new 10km distance, 21.1km or have had, as well as provide advice to alumni the 42.195km. in the earlier stages of their professional journey.

Conversation at Masani with Dr Peter Symons 1970-1989 Higher degree History Alumni Reunion VCAM School of Performing Arts theatre production thursday 15 october tuesday x october 2009 21 – 30 october Masani Restaurant, Carlton Graduate House, the University of Melbourne Space 28, School of Performing Arts building Join ‘Western Australia’s Most Inspiring Hosted by the School of Historical Studies, The graduating actors from Company 2009, Man of the Year’ for an evening of thought alumni will have a chance to reconnect over in collaboration with Production students, provoking and inspiring discussion and a two-course dinner and enjoy a joint pre- perform a new work devised by Tanya Gerst- sample some find wine and delicious Italian sentation by fellow History graduates le. Experience the gritty and often confront- antipasti. Enquiries www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni/reunions/ ing work of this renowned director, which is history the result of thorough creative exploration with these talented graduating students. Enquiries 03 9685 9225

page 8 story details

For more alumni specific events please visit www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni/events • For all free to public events go to www.events.unimelb.edu.au/

Janet Clarke Hall Anniversary Celebrations wide range of charitable and educational institutions, including the Women’s Hospital Governor General Quentin Bryce AC will hon- Committee, the National Council of Women, our women in education at a special lecture in Merton Hall (now Melbourne Girls’ Grammar), Melbourne, to mark the contributions of one and Alliance Française. of Australia’s great philanthropists, Janet Lady Her largest single donation – and perhaps Clarke. her greatest legacy – was a gift to Trinity College Open to all alumni, the Governor General’s that enabled the establishment of Janet Clarke lecture on Tuesday, 13 October will form the Hall, the oldest university college for women in pinnacle of a series of events organised by Australia. Janet Clarke Hall and the University of Mel- To find out more about events honour- bourne this year. The events will celebrate the ing Janet Lady Clarke, please visit www.jch. life and generosity of Lady Clarke (1851 – 1909), unimelb.edu.au. who is renowned for her efforts to advance women’s education in Victoria. The second wife of Sir William Clarke, who was made Baronet by Queen Victoria for his work towards the 1880 Melbourne Interna- tional Exhibition, Lady Clarke supported a

Dean’s Lecture - Improving Educational Outcomes Director’s Tours of the Yvonne Audette survey VCAM School of Performing Arts dance in Victoria production thursday 12 november thursday 11 november Ian Potter Museum of Art, the University of 18 – 21 november Prince Philip Theatre – Parkville Campus Melbourne Gasworks Professor Peter Dawkins, Secretary of the De- Guided by curators Bala Starr and Joanna This third year Dance Graduation season, partment of Education and Early Childhood Bosse, the show includes more than 50 works in collaboration with Production students, Development, outlines the Department’s of Yvonne Audette from 1950 to the present. presents the outcome of sustained practical strategy for pursuing the implementation of Evocative and richly layered, these lyrical ab- inquiry and promises to be a diverse and the Blueprint for Education and Early Child- stract works have been mostly drawn from engaging collection of contemporary dance hood Development. the artist’s collection. works. Enquiries 03 9699 3253

Conversation at Masani with Professor Andrea VCAM Graduate Exhibition – School of Art VCMA Grad Show - Film and Television School Hull 24 – 29 november 3 – 5 december and 10 - 12 december november XXXX Margaret Lawrence Gallery, 40 Dodds St, South- ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square, Flinders St, Masani Restaurant, Carlton bank Melbourne Current Dean and Director of the Faculty of Graduating students from Drawing, Paint- ACMI presents the 2009 premiere screenings the VCA and Chair of the Advisory Board of ing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture of the work by the graduating students of the Centre for Cultural Partnerships, for an and Spatial Practice present some of the Film and Television. Featuring short works evening of thought provoking and inspiring highlights from their years of study. in a variety of genres including animations, discussion and sample some find wine and Enquiries 03 9685 9400 documentaries, visual effects projects and delicious Italian antipasti. short drama. Enquiries 03 9685 9000

Masters Exhibition – School of Art Conversation at Masani with Professor Trevor Kilpatrick 8 – 13 december Margaret Lawrence Gallery, 40 Dodds St, Southbank wednesday 9 december Graduating students from Drawing, Paint- Masani Restaurant, Carlton ing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture Join the Director, Centre for Neuroscience and Spatial Practice present some of the for an evening of thought provoking and highlights from their years of study. This inspiring discussion and sample some find is an opportunity to access to the intense wine and delicious Italian antipasti. artistic explorations and the creative energy of the School of Art. Enquiries 03 9685 9400

page 9 melbourne university magazine 2009 Investigating —the— Melbourne Model

After more than three years of major curriculum review and 18 months into the implementation of the Melbourne Model, retired Provost Peter McPhee reflects that while the road may have had its bumps, moving so far towards to the final destination has been worth the journey. By Justine Costigan

hen it comes to implementing radical change, retired University of Melbourne Provost Peter McPhee says that decisive action is the only way to proceed. WIt’s a concept that doesn’t sit well with the stereotype. Aren’t universities sup- posed to be slow moving institutions intent on preserving the past? “If we had dithered we were done,” says Professor McPhee about the design and implementation of the Melbourne Model. “We needed to be decisive and clear to the secondary schools about the program of change. We had a series of deadlines to meet and we had to stick to them. We were very aware that school students have to make subject choices several years ahead and they needed to know in advance exactly when the Melbourne Model would be implemented and how it would affect them.” Tina Hosseini, 18, had been planning her course of study for years until the announcement of the change to the Melbourne Model made her think again. “It wasn’t in my plans for the future,” she says. “I wanted to go straight to medicine from VCE.” Now the ambitious science student is a convert to the new system. “There’s actually more opportunity for people. Now you’re not necessarily locked out of medicine if you get a lower ENTER. If you work very hard in your under- graduate degree you can apply to study medicine at the graduate level. Plus I’ve got three years to work out if it’s what I really want to do.” Ms Hosseini also acknowl- edges she’s learning skills in her breadth degree she wouldn’t have had otherwise. “It’s all about communication. I’m learning research and writing skills that will be useful later on.”

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Aerial image of the Parkville campus by Clive Banfield from Corporate Video. The photograph high- lights the new Economics and Commerce Building, University Square and Royal Parade.

page 11 melbourne university magazine 2009

Despite the seemingly quick turnaround at the Universi- mits that some subjects have been cut, “but only where there ty of Melbourne (a curriculum review in 2006 preceded 2008’s was little interest in those subjects from students.” Despite implementation phase) curriculum reform has been on the the predictions, students themselves have had the final say – agenda for universities around the world since the late 1990s. the University of Melbourne continues to be the first choice The Bologna Process, a discussion about curriculum reform of university for VCE students across Victoria with first pref- centred around European universities that began in 1999, erence applications for 2009 up by 10 per cent. was one of the major catalysts for an international conversa- Statistics aside, the University has made regular survey- tion about change. The realities of the globalisation of higher ing of its students a top priority. Early feedback indicated areas education and new expectations of for improvement in both services to graduates also drove a discussion that “The whole atmos- students and some interdisciplinary saw universities in Europe, the United subjects. The University has been States and South East Asia consider- phere has settled down. quick to respond giving priority to ing major changes to the curriculum Students now have a student centres to help students navi- by the mid 2000s. gate the new structure. Some subjects The driving force behind imple- clearer idea of what have been adjusted to take into ac- mentation of the Melbourne Model, we’re doing and why.” count varying degrees of knowledge (he was appointed to chair the Uni- and skill among first year students. versity’s Curriculum Commission in “This process of evaluation and evo- 2006 and was responsible for working lution will continue,” says Professor with faculties and education experts McPhee. “The whole atmosphere has to design the New Generation un- settled down. Students now have a dergraduate and graduate degrees) clearer idea of what we’re doing and Professor McPhee was also one of the why.” key University leaders responsible for With the Melbourne Model bed- garnering support for the new model ded down at the Parkville campus the from both within and without the prospect of change to the Victorian University College of the Arts (now the Faculty Outside the University support for of the Victorian College of the Arts the Melbourne Model came from a va- and Music) is causing a similar mix of riety of places. “Many secondary school excitement and apprehension among principals were enthusiastic support- students and staff. The faculty will ers on purely educational grounds,” move to a Melbourne Model structure he says. “Professional bodies were also by 2011 and founding Dean, Professor very supportive of the idea of gradu- Sharman Pretty, says the apprehen- ates educated at a more advanced sion is “understandable”. From 2011, level and we had significant support all students will complete a three-year from political leaders - allowing us the degree, either in fine arts or music, flexibility to move Commonwealth with another two years required for funding for students from undergraduate to graduate courses specialisation to fit the university’s Melbourne Model. was crucial.” VCA graduate Raimondo Cortese is outspoken about his The Melbourne Model wasn’t without its critics, however. support of the new model. In an opinion piece written for Opponents were vocal and passionate. “It was understand- The Age in May this year he argued that students need more able,” says Professor McPhee. “The University is a high status than just a narrow specialisation if they are going to succeed institution with major cultural and educational influence. in their profession. In fact he sees interdisciplinary study as No-one wanted to put that at risk. And of course some peo- a great opportunity. “Acting students could study European ple were concerned that the change implied previous degrees Literature, or philosophy or fine arts, learn scriptwriting or were suddenly less valuable.” develop mutually beneficial links with say, architecture stu- Early criticism (the Melbourne Model was commonly re- dents, to explore the relationship between body and space,” ferred to by media as the ‘controversial Melbourne Model’) he wrote. has now largely disappeared as the predictions of a loss of The founder of Ranters Theatre with brother Adriano quality of students and massively reduced subject choices for Cortese, Mr Cortese says many graduates are unable to create students simply haven’t eventuated. Professor McPhee ad- their own work as they have few practical skills. “If you can’t

page 12 story details multi-skill you’re dependent on what other people think of guide the options for both new generation degree graduates you,” he says. “You need to have practical skills and the self and others returning to study are dazzling. confidence that comes from a broad education to create your Professor McPhee says that he is leaving his University own pathways. There are so many opportunities for dancers, post with a sense of satisfaction and certainty about the Mel- singers, actors and artists to think about the potential the bourne Model as it continues to roll out without him. Melbourne Model offers.” “When I need my spirits lifted I take a walk through the A persistent question from recent University of Melbourne refurbished spaces in the Old Engineering building or Tate graduates is: ‘How will their degrees compare to Melbourne building,” he says. “Watching the next generation studying Model graduates? Will they soon be competing with a better, in a collaborative way in their new modern, open, flexible more broadly educated workforce?’. spaces is completely different from traditional classroom As Professor McPhee confidently asserts, these worries teaching. It’s fascinating to see how the students are using stem from basic misconceptions about the Melbourne Model. and enjoying them.” While there are many new subjects and more collaboration across faculties the quality of teaching has remained high. Ancient Aberdeen’s 21st Century Curriculum It is the choices available to students that are different. “One of the most positive aspects of the University of Melbourne’s curriculum change is it directly addresses the fact that most 17 or 18 year old students aren’t always sure of the precise di- rection they’re heading in,” he says. “The six new generation undergraduate degrees allow them to explore a range of op- tions before they need to focus in on one area.” It makes sense that a curriculum giving students the opportunity to explore a range of interests is more likely to produce graduates with a better idea of which career they might pursue. Offering a range of options won’t deter those focused on a particular course of study, but it may open doors to students unsure where their interest lies. By the time they’re ready to apply for graduate study, students will be ready to make those focused choices. When Australian academic Dr Elizabeth Macknight (PhD, It also means that students with broad interests can be 2003), with Professor Peter McPhee as one of her super- accommodated within their undergraduate degree. visors, suggested the University of Aberdeen might like Associate Professor Michelle Livett, a Faculty of Science to replace the word ‘outwith’ with the more commonly staff member since 1992, has long been a supporter of the recognised word ‘outside’ in its 2008 Curriculum Com- new model. “The Faculty of Science has always provided op- mission Report, her suggestion was met with horror. “I portunities to do contrasting subjects to the main science might as well have suggested relocating the University focus so right from the start the faculty was positive about ‘south of the border’, such was the outrage of my Scottish the change.” colleagues,” she says. Having seen many previous students enrol in a combined If strong resistance to replacing a single word suggests degree only to change their mind half way through their the ancient university would be an unlikely candidate for studies and drop one speciality, Professor Livett is curious to change, think again. On the cusp of significant curricu- see the paths new generation students will take. lum change, the University of Aberdeen is committed to “It will be very interesting to see how many students find creating a flexible, modern curriculum that will appeal something in their breadth degree that becomes their pas- to both local and international students. It’s just that in sion,” she says. “I’ve seen a real surge of interest in languages the process, it’s refusing to lose its essential character. with many science students taking up a language as one of In September 2010 the University will begin imple- their breadth subjects.” menting its new curriculum, a process that is scheduled Although the new generation degrees have been the to take 6 years. With the aim to develop graduates who subject of most attention, it’s the University’s new graduate are more academically excellent, more intellectually schools that get many academics and staff excited. As well as flexible, and more committed to personal development, research based graduate courses, the Schools offer a range of the move is a radical change for a University steeped in professional training options that simply weren’t available to more than five centuries of history. this writer 15 years ago. Browsing through the online course

page 13 melbourne university magazine 2009

Like the University of Melbourne, Aberdeen has been Although the University of Aberdeen has taken on board motivated by both the growing globalisation of higher edu- many of the lessons and ideas provided by both the Uni- cation and the Bologna Process, a European reform agenda versity of Melbourne and other international universities begun in 1999 and is aimed at creating a more widely com- it is also determined to keep and nurture its own unique patible European higher education model to attract both character. The University’s decision to preserve the four- staff and students from within Europe and abroad. Scottish year Scottish honours degree within its curriculum reform Government policy supporting such change was another proposals is just one example. important factor. Aberdeen’s response inspires an interesting question. Dr Macknight has been a keen participant in the Uni- Will universities remain distinctive despite the globalisa- versity of Aberdeen’s curriculum reform since she took up tion of higher education? a position in the University’s School of History in 2007. She “Language is a key to that, I think,” says Dr Mack- found her experience going through the consultation proc- night. “As an Australian who lectures in French history to ess at the University of Melbourne two years earlier was Scots, I find the ways in which language helps to inform invaluable, as was the ongoing dialogue between the two cross-cultural learning and teaching really fascinating. universities. Professor McPhee visited Aberdeen in 2008 The University’s location in the north-east also means its’ and several delegations from Aberdeen have journeyed community has a strong sense of place. Although higher south to monitor developments. education is rapidly becoming more ‘global’, I suspect Aber- “We learnt a number of important things from the Uni- deen will not lose its distinctive Scottish character.” versity of Melbourne,” says Dr Macknight. “Particularly the need for decisiveness and senior management commit- To learn more about the Graduate Programs and Pro- ment. We also saw the importance of ‘one-stop shops’ for fessional Entry Programs to extend specialist study, student services, student advisors and high quality social gain accreditation to a professional body, or to further facilities. We also took note of student choices – the popu- refine and enhance transferable skills go to the Office larity of languages for breadth subjects and demarcation of the Provost at www.provost.unimelb.edu.au/ between subjects that required a prose response and those aboutus/melbmodel that required a quantitative response.”

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page 14 Responding to Tragedy

The desire to be part of a positive response to the February 2009 Victorian Bushfi res is inspiring new research, thinking and technologies by alumni in a range of faculties and professions. By Justine Costigan melbourne university magazine 2009

lumnus and staff member Kevin Tolhurst (B.F.Sci, ing such an extreme bushfire has led to a new understanding 1979, PhD, 1996) is a reluctant fire expert. If it wasn’t of the effect of stress on memory. for his unplanned involvement in a 1984 fire ecology “I remember at a briefing after the fire listening to the researchA project, the forestry graduate may never have be- recollection of the order in which events occurred. Everyone come one of the country’s most respected authorities on bush had a different order. And one firefighter drove from Kinglake fire behaviour. down to Panton Hill, but said that he couldn’t remember a Now a senior lecturer in fire ecology and management at thing about the drive.” the University of Melbourne after more than 20 years study- “Your adrenalin keeps you focused on the task at hand,” ing fire behaviour, including 22 years says Dr Nicholls, “and when you try with the Forests Commission Vic- “There are so few people to remember events later, there are toria as a firefighter crew member, big chunks missing.” communications officer and fire -con with a good under- The impact of the kind of stress Dr troller, Dr Tolhurst’s expertise has standing of fire, you Nicholls describes will be the focus of made him both an accurate predictor a University of Melbourne population and interpreter of fire behaviour. really need experience health survey designed to assess the On site at the Integrated Emergen- and knowledge to go impact of bushfires and subsequent cy Co-ordination Centre on February recovery programs on the physical 7, the day of the Black Saturday fires, hand in hand.” and mental health and wellbeing of Dr Tolhurst used sophisticated fire individuals and communities in af- modelling software to help determine fected areas. One of four research where the fires might spread but, he admits, “the accuracy projects in development by the University’s Bushfire Re- of the predictions depended on good information. You need covery Initiative Health, Wellbeing and Education working good intelligence to make a good prediction and it was very group, led by Professor Elizabeth Waters within McCaughey hard to get good intelligence. We didn’t always know where Centre, the long term impact of the fires is one of the areas of the fires were and how they were behaving.” concern to University of Melbourne researchers. Nevertheless, Dr Tolhurst and his team predicted the fires While so many Victorians, including the University com- would sweep across Kinglake and Marysville as well as a munity, responded to the bushfires with immediate and number of other smaller towns and communities. Playing a practical help, such as donations of money, clothing, food key role in the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission, his evidence and shelter, the University’s Bushfire Recovery Initiative is will no doubt inform the Commission’s recommendations specifically focussed on providing longer-term assistance. about ways to improve communication in fire emergencies. Drawing on the expertise of more than 150 staff from a wide “There are so few people with a good understanding variety of disciplines with expertise in ecology, water qual- of fire,” says Dr Tolhurst. “You really need experience and ity, animal management, psychology, law, finance, building knowledge to go hand in hand. You only get real understand- and forest recovery, the project aims to focus the University’s ing when the two go together.” expertise on research, teaching and knowledge transfer. Dr Tolhurst’s goal is to lose the title of Australia’s only fire Initiated by Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis, a member of the expert. Through ongoing education and training he hopes to Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel, the Bushfire bring a better understanding of fire to a greater number of Recovery Initiative has involved a whole of University ap- people. Currently developing a Risk Management Model for proach coming together along four main themes. They include: Bushfires as part of the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre, health and wellbeing, policy and governance, environmental and involved in the mentoring of bush fire analysis trainees, renewal and reconstructing the built environment. Dr Tolhurst is also developing a new course for University Professor Rod Keenan, Head of the Department of Forest of Melbourne Land and Environment students interested in and Ecosystem Science is focused on environmental renewal knowing more about fire behaviour. To be offered for the first and says the University’s expertise hasn’t been fully utilised time in 2010, the course has already attracted keen interest in the past. “One of the lessons of previous fire events has from students from a range of schools and faculties. been the lack of post-fire monitoring,” he says. “It’s impor- Captain of the Panton Hill Fire Brigade, Mike Nicholls tant to know the impact on rare and threatened species, the (B.Arch.St, BA (Hons), PhD (Cantab) was also working on Feb- dynamics of carbon in forests and the rates of recovery of dif- ruary 7. In a fire truck near St Andrews, Dr Nicholls spent ferent types of vegetation.” a day and a night fighting fires with a group of other CFA “If we can look at better land management approaches,” he volunteers. An experimental psychologist in the School of adds, “ we may be able to mitigate the impact of fire. We’re al- Behavioural Science, Dr Nicholls says the experience of fight- ready seeing positive signals from government on this issue.”

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Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Plan- daily hearings and will eventually be published online. ning Professor Tom Kvan’s focus is reconstruction and he They are both an opportunity for the victims of the fires says the University has a long term focus when it comes to re- and the broader community to be heard and a way for them building. “We want to build an understanding of fire into the to contribute to the body of knowledge that may hopefully curriculum,” he says. “As a cultural curator we have a profound prevent such a large scale tragedy happening again. influence on the future of society. We need to think about how The Commission’s ability to provide a space for people to we can prepare future generations to prepare themselves.” tell their stories is one of the side benefits of its’ investiga- “It’s all about thinking about how we plan communities tion. “It can be cathartic, “ says Justice Teague. “Especially so they are resilient.” for those who have been victims one way or another.” Policy and governance working group Chair Associate Media reports from the Royal Commission’s hearings Professor Jenny Lewis from the School of Social and Political record a daily changing mood. Strong emotion, includ- Sciences acknowledges some people may wonder what the ing the occasional angry outburst is juxtaposed with cool, bushfires have to do with the University of Melbourne, but calm, rational analysis. For every testimony heard by the she is quick to respond. “The University community lost two Commission there are another thousand to tell. “It’s a lit- members of staff and a student. Everyone here knows someone tle like the SBS (television network) logo,” suggests Justice who has been directly affected by the fires. It was an imme- Teague. “Six billion stories and counting…” diate emotional response. We all wanted to use the skills we Justice Teague’s ability to hear traumatic stories day have to be part of a positive, useful response the tragedy.” after day without loss of compassion or loss of focus has been finely honed by more than 40 years of legal practice, Justice Teague hopes Commission has healing role including 20 years on the Supreme Court of Victoria. The University of Melbourne Law alumnus is probably one of the few people in the State who can read a map of Victoria according to where the prisons are located. Now of course, his geographical knowledge of the State is more finely honed. Names such as Kinglake, Marysville and Strath- ewen have significant meaning now. The Royal Commission will present its interim report in August. It is Justice Teague’s profound hope that the Commission’s findings will go some way to preventing a tragedy on such a scale ever happening again. “The reason why we have a Royal Commission is because too many peo- ple died,” he says, “and it’s desirable that it doesn’t happen again. That’s why I and the other commissioners agreed to be part of the Royal Commission. We hope to look to the future by finding out why events occurred the way they did and what could have been done to prevent that.” The small office of Bushfires Royal Commissioner The Hon. Justice Bernard Teague AO is assisted by Commission- Bernard Teague AO’s (B. Arts 1969, B.Law 1962) small office ers Susan Pascoe AM (BA,1973 and B.Med,1991) and Ron is dominated by a desk, a table, and floor to ceiling shelves Mcleod AM. The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commis- loaded with neatly stacked piles of white paper. While the sion will present its interim report in August 2009. A final shelves hold piles of Country Fire Authority maps as well report is due in July 2010. as Royal Commission documents, the round table is set aside for the exclusive storage of the many hundreds of Dr Kevin Tolhurst recently gave a lecture as part submissions sent in to the Commission so far. Five weeks of the Dean’s Lecture Series, entitled Bushfire behaviour into the Commission’s hearings (at the time of writing), under extreme climate, and can be listened to via a Justice Teague has read several hundred of the documents pod cast at www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/info/ and admits that it will take some time to get through them deanslecture.html all. But he insists they will all be read and considered as To learn more about The Master of Forest Eco- part of the preparation for the Interim Report as well as system Science, a professional coursework degree informing the Commission’s future inquiries. designed for forest and environmental sector leaders The submissions form a valuable background to the and managers go to www.forests.unimelb.edu.au/

page 17 melbourne university magazine 2009 Business as (not so) usual In the wake of last year’s global financial crisis, Dave Hoskin asked a sample of University of Melbourne alumni how their experiences are shaping their views of accepted economic thinking.

Photograph by Selina Ou from a series of images addressing the theme of human displacement and isolation within the economic structures of urban life.

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en Chan should have had the world at his feet. He’d Melbourne, simply replied, “The most unexpected thing was graduated top of his class in Engineering and Com- that the financial system broke down.” He points out that the merce at the University of Melbourne and was just first warning signs were reassuringly local: the collapse of the Bcompleting his mba at Stanford. He’d already found a job at United States’ sub-prime real estate market. Unfortunately it the prestigious Goldman Sachs investment bank in New York, soon became apparent that this was simply the spark inside and the only thing standing in his way was his series 7 exam. the Hindenburg: increasing market complexity and inter- He knew there were problems in the finance industry; he read connectedness had opened the way for disaster. “There is now the papers and some of his mba friends had struggled to find a one world market—globalisation.” says Corden. “Good things job. However it wasn’t until the day of spread... and bad things spread.” his final exam that he heard the news “If there’s one good Tom Elliott (B. Comm 1988), a reg- he’ll remember for the rest of his ca- ular media commentator on financial reer. “Lehman declared bankruptcy,” thing that’s come issues, has also noticed the broader he says. “A person in the exam room out of the financial populace taking a greater interest in with me said ‘My company just went the stock market. “It’s gone from be- bankrupt, so why am I taking this crisis… you can make ing business page news to front page exam?’ Good question, I thought.” big changes because news over the last, say, fifteen years,” Ben started work on the trading he explains. He feels this is partly due floor during the worst financial cri- you’ve got a sense of to a growing realisation that the av- sis any of his new co-workers had authority.” erage Australian will have to live off ever seen - worse than the dot-com their superannuation balance in their bubble, worse than the Asian meltdown in the 1990s. “I was old age. “They take [the recent damage] very personally,” says seeing stuff in my first few weeks at work that people had Tom. “Whereas they wouldn’t have done so in the past.” never seen in their entire careers,” says Ben. “Being on the fx In Malaysia, Chi Oi Meng (B.Comm, 1978), director of the trading floor, it was constant action. Currencies were mov- Hing Yiap Group, watched the fall of Lehman Brothers and ing 400 points easily in a day – much larger moves than ever AIG on the business news channels. Offsetting the news was before. All leave was essentially postponed from September the fact that September is the month of the Hari Raya fes- 2008 until Christmas. I loved the trading floor action, but the tival, a traditional time of high spending among Malaysia’s stress was immense, and people’s jobs were not secure. Many Muslims. “Hing Yiap retails lifestyle apparel in over 600 out- people lost huge sums of money, and many hedge funds es- lets in Malaysia,” she says. “We had record high sales for that sentially ceased to exist.” month, followed by further good sales from October 2008 to A hemisphere away, University of Melbourne Professor January 2009. As such, it was difficult to accept the fact that Nilss Olekalns had always prided himself on linking his there was a financial meltdown in the world.” Behind the macroeconomics lectures to real world events. Australia’s scenes however, preparations were being made to weather economy had been in the middle of a long boom, and Nilss’ the approaching storm. “We were planning for a worse off students appreciated his illustration of how economic theory 2009,” Chi confirms, and sure enough after Chinese New Year had helped to shape this. But now things had changed - the sales began to drop. level of interest had spiked. In each lecture Nilss would walk Interestingly, some businesses have found the crisis has in with a newspaper and the class would track the unfold- an upside. Chi has noticed that cafes have inherited new cus- ing economic crisis, using the principles he’d taught them tomers who have chosen to cut back on fancy restaurants, to make sense of the bigger picture. “When something’s so and Brendan Willems (B. Sci (Hons) 1997), business manager dominant in people’s lives and on the news and so on, to in India and South East Asia for multinational ppg, nomi- actually be in a classroom situation where you’re trying to nates breakfast cereal as another winner. “Cereal is seen as a understand those issues is really quite powerful for students,” cheap meal in many countries - less in Asia, but particularly says Nilss. “It was also powerful because, as I kept explaining in Western countries,” he says. “Their global sales are boom- to my students, it’s a learning experience for me as well.” ing and they are loving it.” Of course financial crises have been happening for The crisis has also enforced a change in the way people do hundreds of years, and in many ways this was a textbook business. Prior to the gfc, Brendan noted that he was travel- example. One major difference however, was the sheer scale. ling overseas a lot—sometimes clocking up five weeks away When asked about unexpected consequences of the crisis, from home. “Personal contact is great to make things happen Professor W. Max Corden, Emeritus Professor of Internation- and to build work relationships, but it’s very expensive,” he al Economics of Johns Hopkins University and Professorial says. “The fact is now that we have to look for different ways Fellow in the Department of Economics at the University of to get things accomplished. The travel is a minor fraction of

page 19 melbourne university magazine 2009 what it was, and we make much greater use of the phone and reappraisal of executive incentives systems and the extent web meetings now.” to which they are risk-weighted is long overdue and it’s an Similarly, Dean Paatsch (B. Comm, B. Law, 1991), director inevitable consequence.” of RiskMetrics Australia has noticed a shift in generational Tom Elliott also thinks that change is coming, but ac- attitudes. When he left university Australia was in the mid- knowledges that regulating problems away is easier said dle of a recession - most graduates were just happy to have a than done. “If there’s one good thing that’s come out of the job. By contrast, the next generation entered the workforce financial crisis, it’s shown that there are times where you during a period of continuous economic growth. For them, can make big changes because you’ve got a sense of author- the only question was where they wanted to work, and they ity,” he says. “But with that comes responsibility, because if chased their ideal occupation far more aggressively. “There’s it’s government that’s going to make changes, they can still less room for Gen Y divas in the workforce,” says Dean. “Peo- make the wrong ones.” He notes that he’s seen three financial ple under thirty are now starting to value certainty more meltdowns in his working life, and is certain that regulation than they’d ever had to in the past. And that’s really been won’t stop him seeing another. Instead, in a world faced with huge, as an employer.” major issues such as an ageing population and imminent Another unexpected consequence of the gfc was the climate change, he wants to ensure that the creativity of re-emergence of Keynesian economics. For some, the deploy- the business community isn’t stifled. “Business has always ment of Keynesianism to ward off the worst of the crisis has changed. Business is nothing if not adaptable,” he concludes. been especially pleasing. “People of my generation didn’t have “Businesses reform, regroup, maybe different names, differ- to have a rediscovery,” says Max Corden, who counts Maynard ent ownership structures, but people still want stuff. And Keynes as a personal hero. “It’s not something that is a guid- they’ll still want things to be done.” ing principle for everything, but in this kind of crisis (which is rather like the Great Depression) it’s what you should have in your toolkit.” Max, like most economists, also dismisses Dean Paatsch: the idea that we’re in for a sea change in economic theory. Catching the Corporate Bad Guys “Ordinary, straightforward economics pointing out the value of markets, contrary to a lot of confused remarks, hasn’t been fundamentally destroyed,” he says. “It’s still applicable to the economy. But there has been gross mismanagement in the financial sector. What has been discredited is the belief in minimum regulation.” The discussions have already begun as to how business will have to change. Dean Paatsch feels that the failures in corporate leadership have shaken the faith of the average There’s a couple of things you should know about Dean punter, and that reform is an inevitable by-product. Con- Paatsch. He used to be a commercial lawyer, but realised versely, Tom Elliott says this new financial disaster ends the pretty quickly that he was in the wrong job, and he once debate surrounding the concept of moral hazard. Basically, helped to build a church in the south of Chile. Most im- moral hazard argues that governments protecting agents portantly though, since the late 1980s Mr Paatsch has from the consequences of poor decisions merely ensures that been really interested in the social policy underpinning they will repeat them. Tom points to the bailout of the Sav- the emerging superannuation movement. ings and Loan industry in the 1980s, and feels that many Now the director of RiskMetrics Australia, a compa- 21st century banks did not learn their lesson. “This latest fi- ny that measures financial and market risk and advises nancial bailout is proof that moral hazard is real,” says Tom. shareholders on whether they should block self-serving “Because it’s the 1980s Savings and Loan bailout on steroids.” proposals made by management, exclude companies One key area of reform is corporate pay. Dean Paatsch from their portfolio, or even force underperforming board thinks that the crisis has helped to give the person on the members out completely, Mr Paatsch has become a vocal street a much better understanding of risk. Consequently, and passionate advocate of corporate governance reform the days of corporate high-fliers taking risks with other peo- and has no hesitation in shining a light on the corporate ple’s money (and getting paid regardless) would appear to be governance of some of Australia’s biggest companies, numbered. “If paying the most gets you the best, well then “I’m interested in doing things that will drive away the management teams of the failed US investment banks rent seekers and make markets more transparent and ef- were the greatest management teams of all time,” he re- ficient so that the superannuation system can work for marks. “Clearly history shows you that that’s not true. So, a the people it was designed to benefit,” he says.

page 20 story details Classroom Revolution An intensive program that’s transforming the classroom experience for both teachers and students, Lisa Mitchell finds out why graduates of the University of Melbourne’s Master of Teaching are set to revolutionise the profession.

Illustration by Sonia Kretschmar

page 21 melbourne university magazine 2009

his is the “difficult” group. A cluster of Year 10 school- theory and practice. Members of the Australian Education girls with untidy hair and dishevelled uniforms Union were also vocal earlier this year when 21 per cent of saunter into the science lab at Presentation College. 1545 teachers surveyed rated their standard pre-service train- TChairs scrape noisily as friends plonk down next to friends, ing as “poor to very poor”. the teenagers a little unruly after recess. Professor Rickards says high numbers of graduates leave How ever will genial student teacher Martin Jellinek teaching after just five years, yet overseas evidence shows regain their attention? His large, soft, blue eyes, and kind that Master-level training helps to retain talent. And, with 45 generous smile seem hardly a match for this audience and per cent of Australia’s teachers already over the age of 45, re- a gruelling 75-minute lesson on hard form is essential to resupply the pool core genetics. “When you walk in the before the baby boomers retire. But mild-mannered Jellinek is one The key difference between the of the University of Melbourne’s most classroom with the stu- new Master of Teaching and the tra- impressive decoys in the challenge to dents behind you, you ditional diploma of education (DipEd) illuminate our youth - a new breed is its thoroughly integrated practical of super teacher - placed at Presenta- are not a student. You component, coupled with specialist tion College as part of the university’s are a professional per- support of teacher candidates (TCs). Master of Teaching, which is now Rather than being “parachuted into its second intake of graduates. son and that’s what the into” schools twice a year, TCs are in Science teacher, Stephen Lacey, kids expect” schools one to two days a week, pro- assists Jellinek to set up an overhead viding a strong link between theory projection of a laptop screen, then stows himself in the back and practice. They also undertake two, three-week teaching row to monitor Jellinek’s performance which, so far this first blocks. Traditional training models offered students just two, semester, has been top notch. four-week teaching blocks as their total practical experience. “Shhhhh, girls”, Jellinek begins. Schools offering placements to TCs are linked. A lead Professor Field Rickards, the Masters’ chief architect and school is appointed in a region and networked to about five Dean of Education at the University of Melbourne, has taken neighbouring schools. A Clinical Specialist, appointed by a clinical, evidence-based approach that trains teachers to the university, runs fortnightly seminars at the lead school analyse and attend to the layered needs of the classroom. where TCs from the region share, review and reflect on their “What education hasn’t been very good at is clearly defin- experience, receiving expert feedback and tuition. ing [and putting into practice] the key underlying theories Other specialist support for TCs includes a supervising … There are a variety of ways of setting up a teaching situa- teacher (ST) who offers daily feedback, and a Teaching Fellow tion that will maximise a child’s opportunity to learn, and appointed by the university from within the lead school to fa- kids learn differently . . . it’s extraordinarily complex stuff,” cilitate TC and ST relationships across their designated region. he says. “Teachers, like other professions, need to work on prob- “This new generation of teachers will be interventionist lem solving as part of a team,” says Professor Rickards. “You practitioners, that is, if the kids are not learning, they will might have a Year 9 level with 80 kids right on track, 20 who know how to intervene to developmentally take the child to need acceleration, and another 20 who need to catch up.” the next level,” says Professor Rickards. The 18-month (accelerated mode) and two-year (reduced “It’s an extremely reflective course,” notes Jellinek. “You mode) Master of Teaching seems to attract very determined need to give personal reflections after everything you do.” and more mature candidates. (The average age of the first two Theresa Burlak’s (B Arts 2009) opportunity to intervene intakes was 28.) Any nuance of social or family life quickly dis- arrived quickly at St Albans Secondary College. A young Su- sipates, and, understandably, a small percentage of students danese student welcomed her to class with: ‘I hate you Miss. aren’t able to manage the intensive theory and training. I don’t want your help’. His surly, unwilling-to-work attitude But it is precisely this intensive practical component that turned during her three-week teaching block as she gently gives TCs such valuable insight into the commitment their focussed attention on him. new career requires. On average, a full-time teacher prepares “Toward the end, he chose to sit up front and answer all 16, 50-minute lessons per week. On top of lesson planning are the questions … and asked one boy not to sit next to him be- assessment and correction, special projects and catering to cause he didn’t work well with him there,” says Burlak. “This special student needs. morning, he handed in his assignment two days early.” “I like the routine but there are lot of extracurricular activ- Recent Federal Government reviews heavily criticised ities to consider like sports days and parent-teacher meetings, Australia’s teacher training for its lack of cohesion between key learning area meetings, yard duty and politics, policies

page 22 story details and protocols to familiarise yourself with,” notes Burlak. Jellinek’s class on genetics certainly carries the enthu- Teaching Fellow at Presentation College, Jeannette Gregg, siasm of a tour guide passionate about his territory. Sophie also recommends TCs attend curriculum and student man- earns a Freddo Frog reward for asking a question that drills agement meetings, school festivals and excursions and that the class deeper into the topic: “If a baby is born with a heart they visit school counsellors and other teachers’ classes. disorder, what’s gone wrong?” “The growth in the professionalism of the TCs that takes “Excellent Sophie! It’s all about mutant DNA,” Jellinek place over a semester is impressive . . . they’re much busier says excitedly, manipulating the genetic coding of a DNA [than DipEd counterparts she has experienced],” says Gregg. string on the whiteboard. He runs his double helix DVD a St Alban’s Teaching Fellow Phil McMillan says the great- second time. est hurdle for new TCs is leaping from a student mindset to “The biggest thing that still has to work is . . . some out- that of ‘pretend professional’. reaching from the university to work with the supervising “When you walk in the classroom with the students be- teachers to further skill them about the demands of the hind you, you are not a student. You are a professional person course and of the profession,” says St Alban’s Ken Swan. Fur- and that’s what the kids expect,” says McMillan. ther Federal Government funding of $7.9m secured in late St Alban’s Secondary College clinical specialist, Ken Swan, 2008 for the Master of Teaching will help provide additional is “absolutely convinced” that the accelerated course TCs are support for the program in schools. better equipped at the end of semester one than DipEd candi- Rickards says interest in the new model is growing. One dates after two teaching rounds. country, which he will not name, is showing “serious inter- Among Swan’s revelations in fortnightly seminars are est” in his approach, which draws from a Stanford University how to avoid student ridicule by becoming aware of your program. And 10 other United States universities are working mannerisms and how to handle floods of questions. He also on similar, but separate, masters programs. aims to motivate them to delve into the broader issues that “We’re re-conceptualising the nature of teaching prac- inform student behaviour. tice,” he says. In St Albans Secondary College, where 42 languages span Certainly Jellinek has pulled off the unthinkable today, a school community of 1000, that means developing an un- keeping his “difficult” group occupied for 65 of the 75 minutes derstanding of students’ religions and belief systems, from before having to “shhh” them three times a minute. His face Burmese to Sudanese. glows with a light sheen of perspiration from the effort, but When confronted by so many English as Second Language he receives two audible “oh noooo’s” when telling the girls it (ESL) students, 21 year-old St Albans TC Paul Bombaci began is their last class together. to measure the size of the task ahead – how to ensure all stu- “The thing that gives me such a buzz is taking kids (who dents have equal opportunity to comprehend lesson content? are) quite disengaged and making them want to learn,” says “It opened my eyes to how aware you need to be of the dif- Jellinek. “I get a real kick out of it.” ferent learning efficiencies of students,” says Bombaci. Presentation College principal Leonie Keaney suspects To learn more about the Master of Teaching, and to reg- the mature-age candidates may have an edge in life experi- ister for the Deans Lecture Series (including a line up of ence and a higher level of existing qualifications. internationally renowned educationalists and key politi- Diversity among students is less likely to intimidate cians to contribute to the ongoing debate about the future well-travelled, 34-year-old Jellinek who, after completing an of education), go to www.education.unimelb.edu.au/ honours degree in genetics and archaeology, worked in the If you would like to keep up to date on Master of field before becoming a travel agent and later working in Af- Teaching program developments go to www.education. rica as a park ranger, safari guide and manager of a luxury unimelb.edu.au/mteach/keepintouch.html safari lodge.

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page 23 melbourne university magazine 2009 Postcode for Health When a recent World Health Organization report revealed that where you live may have a significant impact on your health, alumni and academics from the University of Melbourne were not surprised. As Rod Brooks discovered, they’ve already been making the link between health and home.

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baby girl born in Japan this year can expect to live architects and early childhood development specialists, indi- twice as long as a girl born in Zimbabwe. Americans vidually and in teams, are working on projects in this area. have one third more income than the Japanese, and Professor Elizabeth Waters, the Jack Brockhoff Chair of yetA they die nearly five years earlier. In all countries at all lev- Child Public Health*, says that significant differences can els of income, health and illness follow a social gradient: the arise in children’s health depending on where they live in lower your socio-economic position, the worse your health. Victoria. Children in rural areas are five times more likely to Is there a common thread tying together all these differ- need hospitalisation for dental care than children from met- ences in health between countries and within countries? ropolitan areas while children from poorer areas have obesity Is there a common thread ty- rates of up to a third higher than those ing together all these differences in “significant differences from wealthier areas. Also one in health between countries and within five children in low income families countries? can arise in children’s experience serious emotional and be- Typically, health has been con- health depending on havioural problems, compared with sidered a function of genetics, health one in seven from higher income care or lack thereof, and our own per- where they live in Vic- families. sonal lifestyle and habits. However, toria” To address some of these issues, increasingly it has become apparent the University’s McCaughey Centre**, that while these factors are impor- in partnership with the Moreland tant, the circumstances in which Community Health Service, is con- people live, work and age are intimate- ducting a child health promotion ly related to risk of illness and length and obesity prevention research of life. Variations in the conditions of and intervention study called fun early childhood and schooling, the ‘n healthy in Moreland! It involves nature of employment and working 23 primary schools in a culturally conditions, the built environment, and economically diverse inner ur- how much control you have over your ban area of Melbourne. Intervention life and the opportunities you have for strategies are driven and customised full social engagement and participa- by each school and the schools are tion are crucial for health, well-being supported in the implementation of and longevity. These can be described a range of whole-of-school initiatives as the social factors or determinants designed to address healthy eating, of health. increased physical activity and self Professor Rob Moodie from the esteem. One of the principals recent- Nossal Institute of Global Health has ly reported that, “Being involved with worked on HIV prevention in India. fun ‘n healthy in Moreland! has been “It is not enough to focus on the im- invaluable for our school. When we mediate health issues of increasing started our involvement we had an use of condoms and clean needles. idea of where we wanted to go, but the The best results come when these measures are combined support and guidance we have received has been the driving with empowering communities and giving them more con- force behind us actually making changes and making a posi- trol over their income and their lives.” tive difference to the children in our school.” The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report focuses on Investigating the impact of social standing and status on what can be done to reduce health inequities in all countries, health, Associate Professor Tony LaMontagne from the Mc- concentrating on the social determinants of health and re- Caughey Centre has conducted research into the impact of ducing social injustice. The report calls for closing the health working conditions on mental health. He found an increas- gap in a generation as “social injustice is killing people on ing proportion of depression attributable to job strain (low a grand scale”. Three principles of action are recommended: control and high demand jobs) with decreasing occupational improve daily living conditions, tackle the inequitable dis- skill level. This finding is consistent with other studies that tribution of power, money and resources, and measure and have found a clear relationship between inequalities in so- understand the problem and assess the impact of action. cial participation and autonomy (how much control you have Across the University of Melbourne community, epide- over your life) playing a big part in producing the social gra- miologists, health researchers, economists, IT engineers, dient of health.

page 25 melbourne university magazine 2009

Inequalities in social participation have a huge role to play been affected in (equal) Japan. in indigenous health too. “While indigenous infant and child As an example of place affecting health, researchers from mortality rates have fallen significantly and Aboriginal life the University’s Melbourne School of Population Health stud- expectancy has risen, there is still a significant and unaccept- ied the food purchasing and exercise patterns of almost 5000 able disparity in life expectancy and health outcome”, says people around Melbourne. Findings indicate residents of low- Professor Ian Anderson, Chair of Indigenous Health. “There er socio-economic areas weigh more, walk less, buy more fast is a gap which sees an indigenous person bear five times the food and eat less fruit than people in more advantaged areas. burden of diabetes; four and a half times the burden of car- Principal researcher Professor Anne Kavanagh, of the diovascular disease; and more than University’s Key Centre for Women’s four times the burden of intentional “It seems that whether Health in Society, says these differ- injuries such as suicide or harm from ences cannot just be put down to violence. Closing the gap will require you live in a richer or individual differences in income and opening access so that Indigenous poorer neighbourhood education. Australia can participate fully in the “It seems that whether you live Australian economy. Universities will could be a more in a richer or poorer neighbourhood need to improve the way in which In- important factor could be a more important factor digenous students are recruited and than your actual individual income,” supported, and to boost the quality than your actual she says. of the learning experience for all stu- individual income” “That’s why simple strategies dents of Indigenous health.” such as improving and lengthening Professor Anderson is also Director of the Onemda walking paths, increasing the number of pedestrian cross- VicHealth Koori Health Unit at the University, which is con- ings and reducing the density of fast food outlets could make ducting a number of research projects including a holistic a difference,” she says. approach to reducing smoking amongst pregnant Aboriginal If the health gap is to be closed in a generation, as Sir women in Victoria, and working with the Rumbalara Football Michael Marmot hopes, projects which focus on social op- and Netball club in Shepparton to develop the health, educa- portunity and equity as much as access to quality healthcare tion and personal development needs of their members. may well be the key to making it happen. Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Chair of the WHO Com- * The Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program was mission on Social Determinants of Health has written about established with the 2008 Jack Brockhoff Centenary Gift. The pro- a framework for explaining the inequalities within and be- gram will provide a fitting legacy to Sir Jack Brockhoff, who through tween countries. He uses the example of a low grade civil his generosity in establishing The Jack Brockhoff Foundation, has servant in the UK and a Kenyan slum dweller. The better ma- provided significant benefit to the people of Victoria. terial conditions and basic services in the UK explain why ** The McCaughey Centre was established in 2006 with the sup- the civil servant has better health than the Kenyan slum port of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) and dweller. In both cases, however, low social position means the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University decreased opportunity, empowerment, and security, leading of Melbourne. It is named in honour of two outstanding Victorians, to poorer health than those higher up the social hierarchy. Davis and Jean McCaughey. Their commitment to ‘knowledge for He argues that social conditions in every country put limits common good’ is at the heart of all of the work of the McCaughey on people’s autonomy and their ability to participate fully in Centre. Jean McCaughey is the Centre’s Patron. society, and hence lead a life they have reason to value. The greater the limitation, the worse the health. However, while all societies have hierarchies because individuals are unequal in a variety of ways, not all socie- Learn more about the Nossal Institute for Global Health ties have the same gradient in health. There is evidence that at www.ni.unimelb.edu.au/ - the Institute is committed countries with large income gaps (where the richest fifth are to making a difference to global health practice, learning more than seven times richer than the poorest fifth e.g. USA, and research, and has a combined focus on development Portugal, UK and Australia) have higher levels of mental ill- assistance, research and teaching. ness, obesity, prison population and teenage pregnancies To learn more about the faculty of Medicine, Dentistry than countries with low income gaps (e.g. Japan, Finland and and Health Sciences and the Dean’s Lecture’s series (click Norway). For example, over 25 per cent of the adult popula- ‘events’) go to www.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/ tion in the (unequal) USA have suffered from some type of The WHO report can also be found by visiting www. mental illness in the past year but less than 10 per cent have who.int/whr/en/index.html

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Putting theory into practice in rural India —poem—

A Description of the Storm Glass and Brief Guide to its Use in Forecasting Weather

An invention of alchemists, the first recorded Storm Glass sold ‘at the sign of the Looking Glass’ on old London Bridge –

In its sealed glass, the clear liquid holding all this week unshadowed light this morning raises out of its empty dream this more precise hallucination, these repeating branches, finer than pins.

In a remote regional area of India, University of Melbourne It makes a heraldry of weather: alumnus Dr Santa Pasricha, spent a year researching these the uncoloured emblems of tomorrow’s rain. Only anaemia , a condition which affects more than 80 per cent its double-curved glass, keeping of children in rural India, leading to impaired physical each thing apart from itself – closed in parallax, like and mental development. self-regard – “I decided to leave my formal training aside for a year makes it an instrument of hauntings and see if I could conduct a community study to find out more about this hugely prevalent and little understood As if to say He gave problem,” says Dr Pasricha. his whole life to become his idea of himself. So, tireless Combining two of his passions - international pub- and without lic health and haemotology (the study of blood and blood the extravagance of waves, diseases such as leukaemia, blood clots and bleeding disor- a Storm Glass amasses its precarious adornments, its ders) – the year in India gave Dr Pasricha the opportunity needlepoint in quartz, to see the impact of social disadvantage first hand. mistakeable for regret. “I have learned so much more about life in a developing country than you could ever watch on TV or read about,” - Lisa Gorton he says. “My fiancé and I were based in the villages for our project, and lived in a village home. We ate the local foods, The Storm Glass, sometimes called a Camphor Glass, is an outdated slept on the floor with the local villagers, fetched water from instrument that foretells weather. A sealed glass containing the pump and went through the same chores. These in- chemicals, dissolved in alcohol and water, the crystalline forms in sights taught me that I must always consider interventions it vary with electric change in air. FitzRoy, who carried a Storm from the villagers’ perspective - anything we offer must be Glass on The Beagle, described its workings in ‘The Weather Book’ acceptable and affordable to the women in the village.” (London, 1863). Since his return from India, Dr Pasricha, now based at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, is more determined than ever to learn more about the disease. “I have become very passionate about learning more about anaemia and how to tackle it from all angles: the scientific aspects, policy, research in the field and com- munity engagement,” he says. “I am interested in how public health measures can put medicine on the front foot, being proactive, preventative, and formulating policy which can improve the health of many rather than just the patients in front of you. This has been an incredible year - the solution will not be sim- ple but something has to be done.”

page 27 melbourne university magazine 2009 —THREE COLLECTIONS AND A RARE BOOK—

50 years after the Baillieu Library first opened, Dr Belinda Nemec (BMus 1990, PhD 2006) reviews some of the extraordinary items in its’ collection.

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Baillieu Library building, the University’s first purpose-built library. The anniversary celebrations have given alumni, students and staff past and present an op- portunity to reflect on their own time in the Library, whether it had been spent studying, working, flirting or snoozing. The milestone also draws attention to the richness of the Library’s collections and the generosity of the many donors who have contributed books, prints, maps, manuscripts, musical scores, archives, artefacts and money over more than 150 years.

George McArthur Although founded in the 1850s, the University did not receive its first major gift of rare books until 1903. This was the bequest of George McArthur (born in Scotland in 1842), a retired baker from the Victorian town of Maldon. Although McArthur never attended this or Jan van de Velde II, An antique gate, plate 1 of Melbourne. Gift of Dr J. Orde Poynton, 1959. To any other university, he came from a bookish part 1 of the series Sixty landscapes, 1616, etch- be exhibited in the exhibition Journeys and places: family living in a highly literate society. De- ing, 13.3 x 20.0 cm, second state, reg. no. 1959.3921. Etchings by Jan van de Velde II at the Ian Potter Mu- spite limited formal education he knew Latin, Print Collection, Baillieu Library, University of seum of Art, 5 September 2009 to 17 January 2010. was a keen reader, a knowledgeable collector of books, objects and colonial documents, and an enthusiastic international traveller, pub- J. Orde Poynton Russell Grimwade lishing travel writings under the pseudonym The opening of the Baillieu Library building The collections of Sir Russell Grimwade ‘The Rambler’. Both his journeys overseas served as the catalyst to another of the Li- (1879–1955) reflect his wide sphere of interests and his life in a goldfields town informed his brary’s great benefactions. In 1959 Dr J. Orde and activities as an industrialist, conserva- collecting. As well as acquiring books about Poynton (1906–2001) donated his collection of tionist, naturalist, woodworker, philanthro- travel and exploration, Bibles in obscure lan- some 3,700 old master prints and 15,000 rare pist and author. Not only are 1,000 of his rare guages, and incunabula (books printed before books. Poynton has been described as ‘a virtu- books now located in the Baillieu Library, but 1500), McArthur was a pioneer in collecting oso book collector’; his books transformed the his art collection is in the Ian Potter Museum early Australian documents such as colonial Library’s holdings in fields such as the Greek of Art (indeed William Strutt’s 1887 painting, newspapers, convict records and miner’s and Roman classics and modern private Bushrangers, Victoria, Australia 1852, is argu- licenses. presses, while his prints form the core of one ably the icon of the University of Melbourne Why did this bookish baker from Maldon of Australia’s most significant collections of Art Collection) and his papers are held in the leave his collection of more than 2,500 pub- prints. In subsequent years Dr Poynton made University of Melbourne Archives. Grimwade lications and documents to the University further donations, and was later a major was a Melbourne alumnus, having completed of Melbourne? The connection might seem benefactor of the National Gallery of Australia a Bachelor of Science degree in 1901 while liv- a tenuous one to us today but demonstrates in Canberra. ing at Ormond College, which he recalled as the importance of always making a good first Poynton was an English-born medical a time of ‘happy satisfaction’. Sir Russell and impression. In 1903 John Walter Gregory, practitioner, who served in Malaya in World Lady (Mab) Grimwade’s generosity to the Uni- professor of geology at the University, visited War II and was imprisoned in Changi. He had versity extended beyond the collections, to a McArthur in Maldon. The two men found inherited his love for rare books and prints major gift of money for the construction of a they shared many interests, and McArthur from his father. He arrived in Adelaide in 1947 biochemistry building and later the bequest was impressed by the younger professor, and moved to Melbourne in 1962, serving as of their Toorak home Miegunyah, proceeds writing to his bank manager, ‘If that was the an honorary consultant bibliographer in the from the sale of which created the Russell and sort of men the university professors were, Baillieu for twelve years. In 1977 the Univer- Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund. At the time they should have [my] books’. Tragically, a sity recognised his services by conferring an of its receipt (upon Lady Grimwade’s death in few months later McArthur took his own life, honorary Doctor of Laws. 1973), the Grimwades’ was the largest private suffering from unbearable depression. His bequest the University had ever received. This books and documents came to the University substantial trust fund continues to support Library, while his coins, weapons and other activities that were of interest to Sir Russell, artefacts went to the Museum of Victoria. including the care and development of the

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welcomed by the Library. Visit https://alumni. unimelb.edu.au/awc/MakeaGift.aspx and nomi- Dr Nicholas Hamilton nate ‘Library and cultural collections’ for your ‘gift purpose to make a donation or contact the As well as donations and bequests of large Advancement Office on (03) 8344 1751. collections, the Library continues to receive gifts of individual volumes. Recently DR Image: Title page of Ysbrand can Diemerbroek, Nicholas Hamilton donated a rare anatomy The anatomy of human bodies; Comprehending the most book printed in London in 1694. This family modern discoveries and curiosities in that art…, Lon- heirloom was originally brought to Aus- don: printed for W. Whitwood, 1694, Medical Rare Books Collection, University fo Melbourne, Gift of tralia by DR Hamilton’s Scottish born great- Dr Nicholas Hamilton, 2008. great-grandfather, Dr Alexander Thomson (1798-1866), also a medical practitioner, who has been commemorated as a pioneer of Melbourne and founder of Geelong. It passed down thorugh the family and was presented Did you know? to DR Hamilton when he graduated MBBS from the University of Melbourne in 1946. Dr Hamilton not only donated the book A commemorative booklet is avail- but generously funded its conservation, so able from the Library: ‘A storehouse that it would be in a fit condition for use by of wisdom’; Celebrating 50 years of library patrons for many years to come. the Baillieu Library, [Parkville]: Pub- Donations to fund the cataloguing and lications, University of Melbourne conservation of its’ cultural collections are always Library, 2009.

—then and now—

by Fiona Willan

donated her basbeball tunic to Melbourne Judy Scarrott won a prestigious Univer- In A League of Her Own University Sports’ memorabilia collection, sity Blue for her achievements in the sport, to ensure her team holds a place in the and was well-known for her catching prowess University’s history for decades to come. On as a first-base fielder. She still has the battle the team of young women that dominated scars to show for it - an arthritic finger that the Victorian Women’s Baseball Association hardly bends caused by numerous disloca- competition in the late 1940s, Judy Scarrott tions. Nevertheless, she can still catch as well helped her team win four consecutive A grade as she ever did. premierships from 1947 – 1950 and played in “I wouldn’t bat all that well these days, three winning grand finals. “We had an abso- but I can still catch well – there’s no question lutely magnificent team,” she says. about it,” she says. This was openly acknowledged even by the competition. After winning an intervar- sity game against Sydney in 1948, the Mel- Do you have University of Melbourne bourne team was asked to play for Sydney in a sports memorabilia that you’d like to softball competition the following weekend. donate to the University’s collection? “When we got to Sydney, we found we were If so, please contact Rod Warnecke much too good for them…and they said ‘We from Melbourne University Sport on don’t suppose you’d play for us this weekend?” +61 3 8344 8891 or email rod.warnecke@ It may not have been the most practical she says. “We won 43-2. There was uproar unimelb.edu.au. attire for sliding on the baseball diamond, but from the opposition, of course, because we In 2004, the facilities at Melbourne Judy Scarrott’s (BA 1951) old woollen sports tu- were ring-ins.” University Sport received a $5.3 million nic brings back memories of much more than The women’s team also challenged the architecturally designed refurbishment. just grazed legs. A star player for the Universi- University of Melbourne men’s baseball Alumni can now access the state-of-the- ty of Melbourne women’s baseball team in the team to a game on one occasion – and won. art gym and pool at the heritage-listed immediate post-war era, Mrs Scarrott – then “But they said it was because we’d played on Beaurepaire Centre, hire a squash or ten- Judy Hudson – says the uniform reminds her our silly little diamond,” she says. “There nis court, or join one of the many group of “a very enjoyable time of life”. had been some discussion as to whether we fitness classes on offer. Go to www.sports. The 79-year-old arts alumna recently should play on our size diamond or theirs.” unimelb.edu.au or call +61 3 8344 5404

page 31 melbourne university magazine 2009

Alumni in conversation —CAMPAIGNERS FOR CHANGE—

Drought, floods, heatwaves, bushfires – is climate change unstoppable? University of Melbourne alumna Olivia Davis, editor of sustainable living magazine Sprinkla, brought four alumni experts from diverse professions together to ask them how to create a sustainable future. Over lunch in the University’s 5 star Green Star rated Economics building, Olivia asked author Tanya Ha, botanist Dr Brendan Winkle, architect Peter Ho and environ- mental consultant Arron Woods, how we can create a world where making sustainable choices is as normal as wearing your seatbelt in the car.

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aw: The problem with climate change is it’s sold as a singular issue and people are looking for an emissions trading scheme or something to come in and solve it for them, when the fundamental question is ‘how do we live more sustainably within our means?’ There’s a real shift needed from seeing ourselves as managers of a system where climate change is yet another thing for us to solve, to seeing ourselves as living within that living system. Environmentalism as something that’s not ‘being green’ but just who we are. Consumerism comes under fire from a number of people in the group. We should be examining the true benefits and costs of each product we buy. Do we need it? What is the serv- ice that this product is providing?

Olivia Davis: Let’s start with introductions. Tania Ha: I joke that I should have a business card that says ‘freelance mad greenie’. My interest has been not so much the science of sustainability, but that human end of it, what happens after we’ve discovered something. I try to mainstream sustainability and to reach those people who wouldn’t describe themselves as green. Brendan Wintle: I run a small research group in the faculty of science, which is basically the integration of ecology, economics and the mathematics of decision theory. So it’s a funny blend of disciplines. But in practical terms we run projects relating to endangered species conservation. What should we do to get the best outcome for a limited budget in managing endangered species? Aaron Wood: I started out in the scientific area, as an environ- bw: One of the things that I always ask is, ‘what’s the dis- mental scientist and then realised fairly early on that it was service it brings me by buying that thing?’ It’s a very ugly more about people for me. My focus particularly has been on conversation. No one really wants to have it. But if you are young people, how to grab student attention. Our company going to do true costing you have to face the disservice that runs a program called Kids Teaching Kids and we’ve had each product is bringing you and the community in the 13,000 kids through the program in every state and territory. long run. Peter Ho: Our primary interest as an architectural practice is od: People are learning to look behind the product, at the how we engage in the idea of a cultural identity of a sustain- chain of events and resources that went into producing it. able future, as well as how we aim to create zero waste. We’re ph: In the work that we do we’re very interested in under- also interested in how we can develop a level of resilience in standing the embodied energy in the life cycle of all the that future. things that we consume. How we transform the waste that Olivia Davis: I’m a freelance writer, and the editor of a sus- we produce in our own practice and make it become part of tainable living magazine called Sprinkla. Sprinkla’s aim is to the final design. inspire people to make more sustainable choices where they aw: The short term kick you get from buying something new can. We come from the layperson’s perspective. drops away very quickly. Whereas getting in touch with na- ture, a sense of belonging, sense of place; all these things are shown to have long term effects on our psyche. I think we’ve been sold a dream that’s starting to fall apart and is coming back to ask us to pay for it. th: One thing that stands out to me as blatantly lacking is that right now our economic systems don’t reflect the true costs of different technologies. Climate change is going to produce health consequences, such as respiratory illnesses from car emissions, which will be a burden on our health care system. So is that paid for by fossil fuel power genera- tors? Some of those externalities we’re not costing are getting a free ride. aw: We have not internalised all the costs because otherwise a bag of carrots would be $130. Consumer choice can be a powerful driver of change, but can also be complex. Faced with daily shopping decisions, for th: One thing I find that resonates when I talk to people is individuals it can be overwhelming. the idea ‘think like an athlete and aim for a personal best.’ tw: For instance, do you say I won’t wear leather because Sports people don’t try just one exercise to achieve their it’s an animal product or do you say, as long as the world is overall aim, they do a range of different training programs. not vegetarian there’s a lot of slaughter house by-product Once they reach certain goals they don’t hang up their sports which could be wasted land fill. Do we make better use of the shoes, they set new goals and aim to continually improve. It’s resource? We are in the early days of green consumerism. But changing to that mindset, from the idea of sustainability as a things like standards which certify products from a lifecycle destination to sustainability as a journey. perspective will help. Then people can make choices which

page 35 melbourne university magazine 2009

align with their values, whether it be fair trade, human technologies? I think Germany is a wonderful example where rights or the environment. you have a huge public investment in solar. That wasn’t pri- Is there hope for our planet? What is being done? vate enterprise that drove that change. That was regulation and policy. aw: In these countries, which are go-ahead countries, the decisions seem to be based on science and good policy comes from science. Whereas our decision making process is based on which lobby group can scream the loudest. bw: My fear with the current batch of politicians is that they are not leading with visions about what the world could be like, both socially and environmentally. They’re reacting to people’s desire to consume things. Maybe it’s the complexity of the problem, this interconnectedness of everything. But I do think we are suffering a lack of clear vision which prob- ably stems from a lack of clear objectives. aw: If you look at both sides of politics for the last 100 years, they haven’t seen lack of water, lack of energy and all these sorts of things as fundamental issues to address, and yet they’ve had a terrorism plan enacted straight away when aw: The solutions are already there. But you have to laugh that was seen to be a threat. Hans Blix and Mick Keelty said sometimes. Richard Branson put out a $50 million reward for we’ve got far more to fear from climate change than we do someone who could design a thing that would take carbon from terrorism. But there is hope. Ninety percent of scien- out of the air and recycle it. I thought, hang on, haven’t we tists have said if we hit peak emissions by 2015 and we’re on already got that? It’s called a tree. The alternative energy our way down, that we will lock in some degree of mitigation industry is a huge economic opportunity. You look at my of the rate of climate change. hometown Mildura and it’s on its knees agriculturally, with th: The interesting thing is that on the whole, we are con- drought. But a $400 million solar plant has just been ap- sumers, we like being consumers, some more than others. proved, which is going to employ some 800 people. Then look I think part of what we’re trying to do is find a difference at the German example where they’ve actually got far more between wasteful consumption and meaningful consump- solar power than Australia but far fewer daylight hours. Yet tion. Like I consumed a sandwich which is great because in Australia you’ve got both sides of politics saying it’s im- then I have energy and nutritional value and there’s a health possible to power Australia through solar and wind energy, benefit. But, I’ve got a little saying because my generation, which is just plain wrong. my girlfriends, are the Sex in the City watching kind of girl- friends. My little saying to them is, ‘yes I know you love your handbag but does your handbag love you back?’ od: Thank you everyone for a great conversation.

To read a full transcript of this conversation visit [link to be inserted]

Author, speaker, activist and television host Tanya Ha has been described as the people’s environmentalist. As the Eco Coach in the SBS television series Eco House Challenge, Tanya had the task of reforming the un-eco habits of two Australian families in a few short weeks. Tanya has written many books, including Greeniol- ogy, the Australian Green Consumer Guide and eco-encyclopaedia Green Stuff for Kids. Eco-architect Peter Ho aims to create zero waste in his practice. He pushes the concept of recycling to its limits, with business cards made out of old Metro tickets and a chandelier in ph: I’ve always believed that a sustainable future is created a hairdressing salon fashioned out of laminated hair trimmings. when these technologies become more accessible to the com- Peter is well-known as a panellist on ABC TV’s ‘New Inventors’. mon person. It’s all about making it economically viable. But Dr Brendan Wintle is an academic whose interest is in deci- also we have to adapt in a positive way to the changes. In our sions, policy, uncertainty, cute furry animals and the role that built environment, maybe we need to employ comfort and decision theory can play in all of the above. He is currently an durability strategies that are already incorporated in warmer ARC Fellow and Deputy Director of the Commonwealth Environ- climates. ment Research Facility. Brendan is involved in numerous envi- It’s clear that renewable energies can play a huge part in ronmental committees to do with biodiversity conservation and reducing Australia’s carbon emissions, but it will only hap- environmental management. pen with government support. We have seen huge take-up of Arron Wood initiated and now runs the highly successful solar and wind power in Europe and China. The group agrees International River Health Conference, which brings hundreds that in Australia, minimum renewable energy targets are vi- of school children to Mildura every other year to study ways of tal so renewables can compete economically with fossil fuel. saving the environment. Arron is Director of environmental com- bw: Yes, economics is the thing that drives change. But by munication and education consultancy, Firestarter, and has won the same token the micro economics of some big companies numerous awards for his work, including a Churchill Fellowship are perverting the process by having these large interests in and Young Australian of the Year. Canberra negatively influencing decisions. To what extent Olivia Davis is a freelance writer and the editor of Sprinkla should we be subsidising the existing fossil fuel industry to Magazine. secure existing jobs, versus encouraging investment in other

page 36 —the last word—

Sam McMillan considers whether its time to ditch email, Facebook and Twitter and (scary thought) catch up with friends in person.

You can never look cool in a name tag. Why then have reunions at all? Hasn’t Cyberspace won this round? Aren’t reunions stressful and awkward? Well, yes, they are - at first. But then again, so was your first kiss. So was high school. And so was Uni. In fact, just about every major life event starts a little uncom- fortably. As for name tags, most mater- nity wards gave us one when we were a few minutes old. But from awkward beginnings, humans grow. I spent my first university lec- ture desperately scanning the faces of other students, trying to determine who else liked Disney films and whether I should join the Free Beer club even though I hated the stuff. I didn’t realise at the time, but those faces would become incredibly familiar to me over the following years. They say you can’t choose your family; well, you can’t choose your class- mates, either. But like family, you’re stuck with each other, and over many semesters we blundered our way through deadlines, exams, tuna sandwiches, Zone 1 Metcards, South Lawn barbecues, John Medley Staircases, Un- ion House admin, and Swanston Street trams. My father recently attended a high school re- Along with a detailed blog describing what It wasn’t Vietnam, but it was close. Together, union for the Class of 1964. He was apprehen- she ate for lunch on Wednesday and what she we survived. sive at first. Why stand around awkwardly thought of the new Terminator movie. And Some go on to achieve great things. Oth- with people he hadn’t seen in 45 years, he while you’re there, why not look up her new ers give up completely and become musical argued, when there was a perfectly good husband? Seriously, it’ll be fun. Sit back, grab comedians. But wherever we end up, it’s a episode of The Bill on ABC? Upon arriving, some Cheezels, and spend the night trawl- curious thought to know that scattered far however, he was amazed to hear somebody ing through the lives of others all from the and wide across this planet are a select hand- yell his nickname out from across the room. privacy of your bedroom. ful of people with whom we once shared a Sure, it was his former school bully - and The problem is, real reunions aren’t like classroom, making fun of the tutor’s lisp and sure, he was promptly wedgied - but the Facebook. To start with, they’re not held in a covering for each other’s attendance levels. evening turned out to be a great success. Half bedroom (and if you’re invited to one which Were it not for reunions, we’d probably never a century is quite a lot to catch up on, and is, best alert police). Unlike Facebook, you share these memories in person again. this lot of Baby Boomers caught up well into can’t walk over to somebody and ‘poke’ them, And the best thing? If it all goes swim- the night. then walk away. You can’t select the best mingly, you can continue the party on These days, of course, you needn’t wait photo of yourself and stick it over your real Facebook ... that long to hear news of your former class- face for the duration of the evening. And if mates. A recent invention called the Internet someone starts chatting to you, it’s impolite has put people in touch with each other like to leave them hanging for seventeen minutes never before. If somebody you once had a before silently leaving the room. In short, The University is planning vague connection to is married, has a baby, real reunions pull the rug of convenience out reunions for all alumni and or gets done for armed robbery in the morn- from under our feet, forcing us to - let’s all ing, chances are you’ll have heard about it by take a deep breath - interact with people in would like your help. lunchtime - and forwarded the news on to real-time. If you would like to be involved in plan- everyone you know by early afternoon. So, naturally, we get nervous. Never mind ning a reunion, please contact This isn’t such a bad thing. People like the fact that we’re supposedly ‘friends’ with [email protected] or to stay connected, and thanks to social net- these people online; we suddenly feel the +61 3 8344 1746. working we can do so at the click of a button. pressure of having to meet them face-to-face, For further information on up- Ever wondered what happened to Bianca summarise and justify all of our major life coming reunions and how you can Neville who rejected your romantic advances choices, and - sorry, did I hear correctly? - get involved, or to share your reunion for seven years straight? She got married last wear a name tag while we’re at it. To the list experiences visit: www.unimelb.edu.au/ year; you can see the photos on Facebook. of truths we hold to be self-evident, add this: alumni/reunions/reunions.html Go further, faster. www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

Melbourne Graduate Schools

Th e University of Melbourne creates unique opportunities for you to explore many career paths at graduate level through its world-class graduate schools. With over 340 professional entry and professional development masters programs across all fi elds of study, including business, law, engineering, health sciences, arts and the environment, Melbourne Graduate Schools are the head start you’ll need to meet all your career aspirations. Our strong links to industry, community and professional bodies are just some of the reasons why graduates from the University of Melbourne are the most employable in Australia, and Melbourne is ranked among the top ten universities world-wide for the employability of its graduates.*

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad

*World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, UK, Nov 2008 CRICOS: 00116K